The council announced yesterday that former United Kingdom resident Debra Lawson would in March take over from Mr Field, chief executive for 12 years.
Ms Lawson lives in Kapiti, near Wellington, and is believed to be in her mid-40s.
Applications for the $280,000-ayear job closed on October 12.
Mr Field told the Otago Daily Times he was disappointed, but "very supportive of the council's decision and very relaxed about what's going to happen from here".
The biggest highlight of the past 12 years had been the people he had worked with and what they had achieved.
"We have done some amazing stuff - we've got a world-leading sewerage scheme in Project Pure, we've got the [Wakatipu] Trails Trust going from strength to strength.
"I'm not claiming to take credit for this, but when I first came here, there weren't any supermarkets in town.
"The place has moved on in an amazing way."
He would not be looking backwards in 2010.
"I'm going to take some time . . . with my family - I've enjoyed my time here but I've still got a life ahead of me.
"This is not something that I'm going to go home and fret about.
"I've had a very good time here . . . I'm not going to rush away, I'm here [in Queenstown] for a while . . . it's a great town and great people."
Making the announcement yesterday, Mayor Clive Geddes paid tribute to Mr Field.
"On behalf of the community, I want to take the opportunity to thank Duncan for the enormous contribution he has made to this council and the . . . district . . . His work has been invaluable."
The pair had worked together for the past eight years and had developed a "strong professional relationship . . . a friendly relationship."
Mr Geddes declined to release information about the discussions pertaining to Ms Lawson's appointment, including whether the decision was unanimous, as they had been held in public-excluded sessions.
However, Ms Lawson's record spoke for itself.
She had "significant experience" in the private and public sector, including 17 years as South London's Wandle Housing Group chief executive.
Ms Lawson was also a competitive triathlete, representing Britain in six world championships.
She said she was looking forward to the challenge.
"I am absolutely delighted to be a part of this community and look forward to serving the ratepayers . . ."
Cr Vanessa Van Uden said she was "really comfortable" with the appointment, which had been a "group decision".
"On a lot of fronts, Duncan's done a really good job, but I'm looking forward to working with the new person and fresh ideas."
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ann Lockhart said it was "time for a change", echoing last month's chamber press release which urged the council not to reappoint Mr Field.
Chamber president Alastair Porter said the statement had not been personal.
"The appointment process provided the opportunity for council to bring new leadership, skills and experience to the challenges faced by Queenstown."
He was happy with Ms Lawson's appointment.
Queenstown businessman Sir Eion Edgar said he looked forward to meeting Ms Lawson, who was about to step into an incredibly challenging role.
"She must have been a very good candidate to get ahead of Duncan."
